Summary: President Jackson’s title as “the common man president.” Investigation into his decision-making introduces a series of questions. To what extent was Jackson a reflection of the new democracy emerging in the country? How might he have influenced this new ideology himself? How do we measure Jacksonian Democracy in light of his treatment of groups such as Native Americans? To what extent was Jackson truly a common man? Through participation in a mock trial of Andrew Jackson, students will analyze primary sources and participate in role-playing activities in an effort to lead them to an informed decision of whether or not Andrew Jackson was truly representative of “the common man.”
Overarching Questions:
- CIVICS: Have the concepts of liberty, justice and/or equality changed during the time period? If so, how and what has been the impact?
- CIVICS: How well does the government balance individual rights and the common good, including the need to maintain order, safety and a healthy environment, during this time period?
- CIVICS: Have individuals and groups influenced public policy during this time period? If so, how and what has been the impact?
Standards:
- 6.1.12.CivicsPI.3.a: Analyze primary and secondary sources to determine the extent to which local and state issues, publications, and the rise of interest group and party politics impacted the development of democratic institutions and practices.
- 6.1.12.CivicsDP.3.b: Judge the fairness of government treaties, policies, and actions that resulted in Native American migration and removal.
Links to Lessons: Common Man and Contradictions: A Mock Trial of Andrew Jackson | Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History